Wolves have sold midfielder Seyi Olofinjana to Stoke after the newly-promoted club met their £3m demands, writes Tim Nash.
The 28-year-old is believed to have passed a medical earlier today and has signed a four-year contract to become Stoke’s second summer signing after Dave Kitson.
The deal, which sees the Nigerian international become the club’s biggest sale since Joleon Lescott joined Everton for £5m two years ago, will be seen as a triumph for Wolves’ negotiating powers.
Olofinjana’s exit is the third big money sale to the Premier League in recent years after they prised £3.5m from Wigan for Henri Camara and again illustrates the club’s ability to attract top prices for their
players.
Molineux chief executive Jez Moxey believes the deal suits all parties.
“This is similar to the Joleon Lescott deal in that we had an arrangement with Seyi if we didn’t go up that he would be allowed to join a Premier League club,” said Moxey.
“We’re disappointing that Seyi is moving on, however it’s all part of an arrangement we had when he signed his new contract.
“It’s a situation that’s good for us, the player and Stoke and we wish him all the success.
“He’s 28, he’s a full international and he’s desperate to play in the Premier League.”
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy paid tribute to Olofinjana, who was 10-goal top scorer in McCarthy’s first season.
“He’s been fantastic to work with - a really good player. I always knew of his desire to play in the Premier League and this is a terrific signing for Stoke and I wish him well.”
McCarthy is not expected to sign a replacement, in the belief he has a strong enough central midfield with new arrival David Jones, Karl Henry, David Edwards and fit-again Mark Davies competing for places.
Stoke initially denied any interest in the player, but while Hull deliberated over meeting the asking price, Potteries boss Tony Pulis made his move.
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